Thursday, July 9, 2026

Hyperscaler Demand Lifts PLDT Global Q1 Revenue 26%

PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global), the international business unit of PLDT, reported a strong start to 2026, with total first-quarter net service revenues rising 26% year-on-year.

The company’s performance reflects sustained momentum in its enterprise segment, underpinned by strong demand from hyperscalers, strategic partnerships with global digital platforms, and the continued operational resilience of its carrier voice business—collectively reinforcing the overall enterprise performance of the PLDT Group.

Enterprise growth led by hyperscaler demand

Growth in the first quarter was anchored on PLDT Global’s expanding enterprise business, particularly within the hyperscaler segment, where demand for scalable, high-capacity connectivity continues to accelerate.

The company recorded sustained uptake of its International Private Leased Circuit Services (IPLCS) and colocation solutions, as global technology players scale operations across Asia and other key markets.

PLDT Global also strengthened its growth pipeline with strategic contracts from hyperscalers, content providers, and global enterprises. These partnerships are expected to contribute to revenues within 2026, providing further upside for the business.

“Our continued growth in serving hyperscalers and global digital platforms reflects not only the strength of PLDT Global’s network infrastructure and strategic geographic positioning, but also our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class, reliable connectivity solutions,” said Albert V. Villa-Real, President and CEO of PLDT Global.

“We remain focused on scaling our enterprise business, deepening strategic partnerships, and driving operational excellence—ensuring we deliver sustainable growth and long-term value for our stakeholders while enabling the next wave of global digital innovation,” he added.

Lenovo Earns Highest-Ever Ranking in Gartner® Supply Chain Top 25 for 2026

Lenovo has reached a significant milestone by securing seventh place in the prestigious Gartner® Supply Chain Top 25 for 2026, marking the company's highest global ranking to date. The achievement highlights Lenovo's unwavering commitment to building an intelligent, resilient, and future-ready supply chain capable of adapting to today's rapidly evolving global business environment.

As organizations worldwide face increasing supply chain complexities, Lenovo continues to stand out by leveraging advanced technologies to improve efficiency, agility, and operational excellence. Its latest recognition reflects years of strategic investments in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and manufacturing innovation.

At the center of Lenovo's success is its proprietary AI-powered iChain system, an intelligent platform designed to coordinate thousands of suppliers across more than 30 manufacturing facilities worldwide. The platform enables Lenovo to make critical business decisions 60% faster, respond to supply chain disruptions in near real time, and automate approximately 90% of network simulations. These capabilities allow the company to anticipate potential challenges, optimize production, and maintain operational continuity even during periods of market uncertainty.

Beyond operational efficiency, Lenovo continues to expand its global manufacturing footprint. The company has recently established new manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia and the United States, strengthening its ability to serve regional markets while improving supply chain resilience. This expansion strategy helps reduce logistical risks, shorten delivery times, and support local economic development.

Lenovo's innovation efforts have also earned recognition from the World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network, an exclusive group of manufacturers recognized for adopting cutting-edge technologies such as AI, automation, data analytics, and smart manufacturing. This recognition underscores Lenovo's leadership in embracing Industry 4.0 practices that improve productivity while promoting sustainable business operations.

Sustainability remains a core component of Lenovo's long-term strategy. Through smarter manufacturing processes, optimized logistics, and AI-driven resource management, the company continues to reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and create long-term value for customers, partners, and stakeholders.

The Gartner® Supply Chain Top 25 ranking serves as a testament to Lenovo's ability to transform supply chain management into a strategic competitive advantage. As businesses increasingly rely on intelligent, data-driven operations, Lenovo's continued investment in AI, automation, and global manufacturing positions the company to remain at the forefront of innovation.

With resilient infrastructure, advanced technology adoption, and a strong commitment to sustainability, Lenovo is not only redefining modern supply chains but also helping shape the future of global manufacturing and digital transformation.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

LG Electronics Boosts Global Installation and Service Capabilities With HVAC Academy Expansion

SEOUL— LG Electronics (LG) is expanding its Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Academy network to strengthen the installation and service capabilities of its global HVAC business. The company has opened new facilities and relocated existing ones within key markets in Asia, Europe, Latin America (LATAM), and the Middle East and Africa (MEA), helping to develop HVAC expertise at the local level and support consistent service delivery across countries as part of its Global South strategy.

In Asia, LG opened a new HVAC Academy in Taichung, Taiwan, in June. The facility includes product exhibition areas, classrooms, and practical training spaces, allowing customers and partners to directly experience a range of LG HVAC solutions and receive related technical training. Recently, LG also reopened its relocated Singapore HVAC Academy with an official ceremony attended by regional representatives. The new facility features a variety of LG HVAC technologies for display and training purposes, including advanced data center cooling solutions such as the LG Coolant Distribution Units (CDUs).

In Europe, LG operates HVAC Academies in multiple countries, including a newly opened HVAC Academy in Poland this year. LG’s European HVAC Academies provide local HVAC professionals with training on the latest LG air conditioning and heating solutions, including hands-on modules on installation, as well as insights into key industry trends.

LG has also been actively expanding its HVAC Academy network across LATAM and MEA this year. LG opened an HVAC Academy at the Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH) in Santiago, Chile. Developed in collaboration with the university, the academy offers comprehensive training for future HVAC professionals and provides ongoing training programs for certified technicians.

In March, the company opened a new academy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The facility features an integrated showroom where visitors can experience LG’s principal B2B and B2C HVAC products, a technical training classroom, an applied learning area for Air Handling Unit (AHU)-based piping and control system training, and a practice space for using engineering tools.

LG operates approximately 70 HVAC Academies in over 40 countries, including Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Africa. Regional hub HVAC Academies are responsible for developing localized training content and training instructors from neighboring countries, while all academies provide essential training for local customers and distributors. Through this differentiated network structure, LG is improving customer access to training while supporting the development of in-market HVAC professionals and bolstering the company’s own technical capabilities.

“Strong installation and service capabilities are essential for delivering reliable HVAC solutions and long-term customer value,” said James Lee, president of the LG ES Company. “We will continue to expand our global network of HVAC Academies to strengthen local technical expertise, support workforce development, and build the service infrastructure needed for the continued growth of the LG HVAC business.”

Buenas PH Invests PHP 3.9M to Bridge Grassroots Sports Funding Gap

Manila, Philippines — Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)-regulated gaming platform Buenas PH has deployed an investment of approximately PHP 3.9 million in grassroots sports funding to support emerging Filipino athletes, as part of the company’s ongoing corporate social responsibility program.

The initiative aims to address the enduring funding deficits in local sports development. While the Philippine government increased its national sports budget for 2026, structural gaps remain in sustainably supporting basic training, travel logistics, meal allowances, and foundational equipment for grassroots talent.

To help bridge this gap, Buenas PH funneled its H1 investment directly into operational essentials, including competition uniforms, safety gear, tournament logistics, and event visibility assets, across various disciplines such as golf, dragon boat racing, mixed martial arts (MMA), and boxing.

“Many grassroots athletes have the talent and determination to compete, but they often lack the resources that make even mere participation possible. Our goal is to help remove some of those barriers. By supporting their practical needs, we allow them to focus on performing at their best, all while proudly representing the Philippines,” said Kim Curayag, Head of Marketing at Buenas PH.

Among the key beneficiaries of this initiative is the Pyros Dragon Boat Team. The community-based paddling crew secured four podium finishes at the Club Crew Dragon Boat Challenge, climbing from a second runner-up finish in Series 1 to consecutive first runner-up finishes in Series 2 across both the Open Men’s and Masters Mixed 10-Seater 250-meter categories.

In combat sports, the funding backed flyweight prospect Eros Baluyot during his recent international campaign at the Road to UFC Season 5 quarterfinals at the Galaxy Arena in Macau. The sponsorship ensured the former national wrestling team member secured the requisite training camp and logistical infrastructure needed to compete on a global stage.

Beyond combat and aquatic disciplines, the platform sustained regional golf ecosystems by supporting the Belle Cup, Liberica Golf, the Br. Armin Luistro Cup and the 2026 Summit Point Golf Invitational. Buenas PH also facilitated wider public engagement by backing Smashpay Fight Night and grassroots sports activations at Philippine Blockchain Week.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, Buenas PH is set to maintain this momentum by backing the upcoming boxing tournament, Night of Champions XVII, scheduled for late July, as part of its ongoing commitment to developing local athletic talent from the ground up.

Through these continuous community investments, the platform remains dedicated to its core mission of turning raw local talent into supported champions on both the domestic and global stages — a commitment to nation-building that operates independently of, and in parallel to, its regulated gaming operations.

For more information and updates, you may visit the official Buenas PH and Buenas Cares Facebook pages.

Enchanted Kingdom Marks Enchanting June With Its Pride Month and Father’s Day Celebration

Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, celebrated inclusivity, togetherness, and strong family ties among Filipinos through its back-to-back Pride Month and Father’s Day festivities last June.

Concluding this quarter’s Forever Enchanted Summer campaign on a high note, EK brought to life a series of seasonal activities and pop-up experiences that created even more quality bonding moments for families and communities throughout the month.

The festivities kicked off with Magic of EKquality: A Celebration of Pride Talents, which showcased world-class Filipino talent through performances by exceptional members of the LGBTQIA+ community last June 7, 13, and 14 at the Bandstand.

Among the featured acts were Magic of EKquality Talent Competition 2024 grand winner Alquin Gutierrez, World Supremacy BattleGrounds International 2023 finalist Vivacious, OPM indie-pop singer-songwriter Rhodessa, and Asia’s Trans Dual Diva Sephy Francisco.

The theme park also paid a heartfelt tribute to all devoted dads who bring magic into every home with the return of its Forever Enchanted Father’s Day specials on the third and fourth weekends of June. Beloved EK Storyverse paternal figures, Faerie King and Balasik, offered exclusive treats for fathers, such as body care and relaxation services situated at Eldar’s Theater.

While the fathers enjoyed the pampering sessions, they were serenaded by special performances from rising Viva Records artists Dana Pauline and Jehramae. EK’s very own P-pop girl group was also there to cap off the more than two-month run of its seasonal musical show, SMS Summer Blast, with a high-energy finale.

Meanwhile, the all-male vocal group, Kingsmen, also honored all dads through their weekend show at the Bandstand.

Other exciting Father’s Day activities were rolled out around the Park, including the Fun Kart’s Rev Up Speed Showdown, High Striker’s Dad’s Ultimate Strike, and a car display and test drive experience.

The magic continues this July as EK announces the return of its regular operating hours from 11AM to 8PM every Friday to Sunday until August 30. Starting September 1, the Park will be open Thursdays to Sundays, also from 11AM to 8PM.

Guests can secure passes for their next EK visit as early as today and enjoy a refreshing experience with Sip the Magic! Promo, in collaboration with Coca-Cola. Bundle includes one Regular Day Pass and a free magical drink featuring the newest drinks from Coca-Cola, all for Php 1,400. This offer is available for walk-in purchases and through the EK Online Store until August 9 only.

For more information and updates on this and EK’s other events and offerings, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.